211 Check has made significant strides in combating misinformation in South Sudan through extensive training, global recognition, and local engagement, reshaping the information landscape and empowering individuals to discern and counter false information.
Author: Emmanuel Bida Thomas
In a world inundated with misinformation, one platform stood tall in 2023, making waves in the fight against falsehoods. 211 Check, a fact-checking and information verification platform, made significant strides in its mission to counter misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in South Sudan.
One of the notable achievements of 211 Check in 2023 was its acceptance into the International Fact-checking Network (IFCN). This milestone underscored the platform’s dedication to upholding the highest fact-checking and information verification standards. This recognition validated the credibility of 211 Check and positioned it as a key player in the global fight against misinformation.
In 2023, 211 Check’s impact reverberated across South Sudan, with a multi-year commitment to enhancing fact-checking through domain, hosting, and SSL subscriptions until December 2032. The platform’s dedication was evident through its extensive training sessions and webinars, engaging 34 trainers and webinar panellists and reaching over 500 training attendees, empowering individuals to discern and counter false information.
Throughout the year, 211 Check engaged in local activities to strengthen fact-checking in South Sudan. The platform conducted training sessions and webinars to capacitate journalists, students, and active social media users, enhancing their ability to discern and counter false information. These efforts were crucial in empowering individuals to make informed decisions and contribute to a more informed and engaged society.
The impact of 211 Check’s work in 2023 extended beyond its immediate activities. Countering misinformation and promoting fact-checking made the platform play a pivotal role in fostering trust and reliability in the information landscape of South Sudan. This, in turn, contributed to a more informed public discourse and empowered individuals to access accurate and reliable information, aligning with the platform’s vision of creating a society where such information is easily accessible and widely shared.
The platform’s efforts to provide a platform for fact-checkers, offer editorial support and training to journalists, and enhance the quality and health of online information have reshaped the information landscape, fostering a society where accurate, reliable information is easily accessible and widely shared.
As 211 Check continues to lead the charge against misinformation, its vision of creating a South Sudan where truth prevails and individuals are empowered to make informed decisions is becoming a reality. The platform’s dedication to enhancing fact-checking and countering false information has not only reshaped South Sudan’s information landscape. Still, it has also set the stage for a future where misinformation holds no power.
Looking Ahead:
As we reflect on 211 Check’s achievements in 2023, it is evident that the platform has made significant strides in its mission to combat misinformation and disinformation in South Sudan. The impact of its work has been felt not only locally but also on the international stage, positioning 211 Check as a beacon of truth and reliability in an era plagued by misinformation.
About 211 Check:
211 Check, led by Defyhatenow, a National Nongovernmental Organisation (NNGO) registered in South Sudan, has steadfastly committed to enhancing the quality and health of online information in the region. The platform’s objectives included providing a platform for South Sudanese fact-checkers to publish articles and reports, offering editorial support and training on fact-checking to journalists and content creators, and countering false information through fact-checking and verifying information.